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Study on the Mechanism and Circular Agriculture Potential of Micro-Nano Bubbles in the Resourceful Utilization of Saline–Alkali Soils

Author

Listed:
  • Jun Yang

    (School of Environmental & Municipal Engineering, Lanzhou Jiaotong University, Lanzhou 730070, China)

  • Hongkui Zhang

    (School of Environmental & Municipal Engineering, Lanzhou Jiaotong University, Lanzhou 730070, China
    School of Environmental Science & Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China)

  • Tianzhi Wang

    (School of Environmental Science & Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China)

  • Qi Jia

    (School of Environmental Science & Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China)

  • Xinrui Yu

    (School of Environmental Science & Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China)

  • Jinxin Chen

    (School of Environmental Science & Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China)

  • Fiallos Manuel

    (School of Environmental Science & Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China)

Abstract

Against the backdrop of increasingly scarce global arable land resources, the remediation and resource utilization of saline–alkali soils have become a critical issue in circular agriculture. This study proposes micro-nano bubble (MNB) irrigation technology as a green, low-carbon strategy for saline–alkali soil remediation, highlighting its multi-level driving mechanism through pot experiments at different aeration frequencies. Results indicated that MNB irrigation significantly enhanced salt leaching and acid-base neutralization by reducing the soil pH (11.75%) and electrical conductivity (53.41%). Meanwhile, soil organic matter, cation exchange capacity, and available nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium increased to normal soil levels. MNBs also strongly activated native enzymes (urease and alkaline phosphatase), raising the total enzyme activity by 68.54%, which is linked to carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus metabolism. These results were also validated by microbial analysis, which indicated that MNBs shifted the community structure from one dominated by salt-tolerant taxa (i.e., Pseudomonadota ) to a more functionally beneficial composition (i.e., Bacillota ). Through these changes, the microbial diversity and network connectivity were enhanced, with Qipengyuania and Psychrophilus identified as critical nodes. This study reveals the multi-level driving mechanism of MNB technology, providing new technical pathways and theoretical support for the remediation, resource recovery, and circular utilization of agricultural waste soils.

Suggested Citation

  • Jun Yang & Hongkui Zhang & Tianzhi Wang & Qi Jia & Xinrui Yu & Jinxin Chen & Fiallos Manuel, 2026. "Study on the Mechanism and Circular Agriculture Potential of Micro-Nano Bubbles in the Resourceful Utilization of Saline–Alkali Soils," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 18(6), pages 1-18, March.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:18:y:2026:i:6:p:2855-:d:1892957
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